Opera developed in Italy around 1600 as a dramatic musical performance involving singing and stage effects. It was originally based on subjects from classical mythology and history. The new style of opera, called seconda pratica, prioritized the text over strict rules of harmony. This allowed composers like Monteverdi to develop techniques like recitative for spoken dialogue and arias for intense singing. Recitatives and arias became the basic forms used to alternate between speech-like sections and melodic songs in early operas. Purcell and Lully also contributed to establishing opera as a genre that balanced virtuosic display with communicating a story.